While Ty Emberson’s acquisition was largely viewed as Edmonton merely adding some extra depth on the back end, they have an opportunity to keep him around beyond the upcoming season but will need to play him somewhat regularly to do so. PuckPedia reports (Twitter link) that the Oilers will need to play the 24-year-old in at least 50 games in 2024-25 in order to retain his RFA rights (with arbitration eligibility at that time). Otherwise, Emberson will be eligible to become a Group Six unrestricted free agent. He was only able to play in 30 games with San Jose last season in his first taste of NHL action, missing 36 games due to injuries along the way.
Elsewhere around the hockey world:
- The Bruins are believed to be considering offering UFA wingers Kailer Yamamoto and Blake Wheeler tryouts for next month’s training camp, suggests Shawn Hutcheon of The Fourth Period (Twitter link). Yamamoto is coming off a down year that saw him record just 16 points in 55 games with Seattle while Wheeler had 21 points in 54 contests while also missing considerable time with a leg injury. Boston could stand to add some depth on the wing but until they get Jeremy Swayman’s contract sorted out, they’re unlikely to do any guaranteed contracts.
- Stars defense prospect Tristan Bertucci is on the move as OHL Flint announced they’ve moved him to Barrie as part of a three-team swap. The 19-year-old was a second-round pick by Dallas in 2023, going 61st overall; he has already signed his entry-level contract. Bertucci played in 61 games with the Firebirds last season, notching 10 goals and 34 assists while adding four helpers in four playoff contests. He also was able to make his professional debut, suiting up once for AHL Texas after Flint was eliminated from the postseason.
- Jets prospect Markus Loponen requested and was granted a contract termination from his deal with Karpat, per a team release from the Finnish squad. The 18-year-old was a fifth-round pick back in June, going 155th overall. Loponen had 25 goals and 29 assists in 45 games last season on Karpat’s under-20 team, earning him a first-round selection by Victoria in the CHL Import Draft this summer. Loponen will now suit up for the Royals this season.
Didn’t Blake Wheeler unofficially retire?
If so, probably more from a sense that he was washed up and no one would want him than anything else. I suppose if a team offered him a legitimate tryout, he’d take it.
I’d rather see the Bruins bring back JVR than bring in Yamamoto. I’m not sure Yamamoto is much of an upgrade over playing Lysell or Merkulov.
Similarly; JVR played well for Boston last year, and better than the numbers quite reflect. Yamamoto’s been a project too often. As for Wheeler, gah, I hope this was just another bored sportswriter spitballing. He’s been in decline, the decline got steep last season, and at age 38 he’s finished. It’s time for all that young talent in Providence to show what they can do.
I honestly had no idea Blake Wheeler was even still playing hockey, I thought he retired like 5 years ago. I think I am confusing him with Nathan Horton for some reason.
He has played professionally every season since the beginning of the 2008-09 season. Nathan Horton’s last game was at the end of the 2014 season. Pretty difficult to get those two confused yet you did it. Big skills.
Based on Emberson’s injury history, they’re better off treating him as a depth rental, then set him free to Group Six UFA land. I’m sure Stan would listen to us, seeing as how we’re better backseat drivers than he is a front seat driver. You’re welcome, GMSB.
Would the Oilers not be able to extend Emberson since he is entering the last season of his contract? Or is that not allowed for potential group 6 FA’s?